Can Laser Surgery Correct Post-Cataract Surgery Farsightedness?

Q: Can Laser Surgery Correct Post-Cataract Surgery Farsightedness?

Hello, Yao Yao： A hyperopia of 75 degrees can be considered quite normal. <br>For distance vision, using both eyes, the right eye has a vision of 0.7-0.8 and the left eye is 1.0, which is considered very good, so there is no need for laser treatment for that. <br>For near vision,

Can laser treatment for hyperopia be performed after cataract surgery?

Dear Doctor,
I originally had a myopia of -600 degrees in both eyes.
In March of last year, I underwent cataract surgery on my right eye, followed by surgery on my left eye in May.
After the surgeries, I went to an optical shop to get reading glasses, where they measured my vision and found that I have +75 degrees of hyperopia in my right eye and 0 degrees in my left eye.
I realized that I needed to return for follow-up appointments every week after the cataract surgeries, but the doctor did not inform me that my right eye had developed hyperopia.
No wonder during my follow-ups, I could only see 0.7 or 0.8 with my right eye, while my left eye could see 1.0.

Later, I discovered that due to the hyperopia in my right eye, I have difficulty seeing both near and far.
While the near vision issue could be attributed to presbyopia, I believe the difficulty in seeing far is concerning.

Could you please clarify the following for me?
1.
Is it normal to develop +75 degrees of hyperopia after cataract surgery?
2.
Can the hyperopia in my right eye be corrected with laser surgery to achieve -100 degrees of myopia, and is it possible to undergo laser treatment after cataract surgery?
Thank you for your response.

Yao Yao, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/01/07

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Yao Yao: A hyperopia of 75 degrees can be considered quite normal.
For distance vision, using both eyes, the right eye has a vision of 0.7-0.8 and the left eye is 1.0, which is considered very good, so there is no need for laser treatment for that.
For near vision, even if the right eye has a myopia of 100 degrees, it is still better to wear glasses for close-up tasks.
However, after cataract surgery, laser treatment is still an option, but whether it would be beneficial can be discussed with your attending physician.

Reply Date: 2022/01/07

More Info

After cataract surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to experience changes in their vision, including the development of hyperopia (farsightedness). In your case, it seems that your right eye has developed a hyperopia of +75 diopters after the surgery, while your left eye remains at 0 diopters. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Is it normal to develop +75 diopters of hyperopia after cataract surgery?
While it is not unusual for patients to experience some degree of refractive change after cataract surgery, a hyperopia of +75 diopters is relatively significant. Typically, cataract surgery aims to restore vision by replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The type of IOL used can affect the refractive outcome. Some patients may experience residual refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia, depending on various factors such as the power of the IOL chosen, the surgical technique, and the healing process. It is essential to discuss these changes with your ophthalmologist, who can provide insights into whether this level of hyperopia is expected based on your specific case.

2. Can laser surgery correct the +75 diopters of hyperopia, and is it possible to perform laser surgery after cataract surgery?
Yes, laser surgery can be an option to correct hyperopia after cataract surgery. Procedures such as LASIK or PRK can be performed to reshape the cornea and improve vision. However, several factors must be considered before proceeding with laser surgery, including the overall health of your eyes, the stability of your vision, and the thickness of your cornea. Your ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough examination to determine if you are a suitable candidate for laser correction.
It is also important to note that while laser surgery can effectively correct refractive errors, it may not be able to address all vision issues, especially if there are underlying problems such as astigmatism or other ocular conditions. Additionally, the timing of the laser procedure is crucial; it is generally recommended to wait until your vision has stabilized after cataract surgery before considering laser correction.

In summary, experiencing hyperopia after cataract surgery is not uncommon, but the degree of +75 diopters is noteworthy and should be evaluated by your ophthalmologist. If you are considering laser surgery to correct this refractive error, a comprehensive eye examination will help determine the best course of action.
Furthermore, it is essential to maintain regular follow-up appointments with your eye care provider to monitor your vision and address any concerns promptly. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation and help you achieve the best possible visual outcome.

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